Trump arrives in Beijing for high-stakes talks with Xi
President Trump arrived in Beijing on Wednesday for his first visit since 2017, holding two days of talks with President Xi on Thursday and Friday. The leaders will attempt to stabilize ties strained by trade disputes and the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, with discussions covering Iran, Taiwan, artificial intelligence and a critical minerals deal. China is expected to announce purchases of Boeing airplanes and American agriculture. Trump has been pressing Beijing to use its influence with Iran to push for a deal to end the conflict. Xi remains frustrated with US support for Taiwan.
Netanyahu claims Iran war not over, as Trump cools on him
Netanyahu told CBS 60 Minutes that the US-Israel war against Iran is not over because enriched uranium must be removed. He claimed Trump told him "I want to go in there." Netanyahu persuaded Trump to wage war by presenting Iran as a collapsing regime, but by month's end US bases were attacked, the Strait of Hormuz closed, and the anticipated uprising never materialized. Trump publicly condemned Israeli strikes on Iran's South Pars gasfield and prohibited Israel from bombing Lebanon. Both leaders have suffered politically, with former diplomat Alon Pinkas saying "they have screwed each other pretty badly."
Saudi Aramco Profits Surge 25% on Middle East Oil Crisis
Saudi Aramco reported a 25% year-on-year increase in first quarter 2026 profits, with adjusted net income reaching $33.6 billion. The surge was driven by soaring oil prices caused by the Middle East conflict and Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The company's East-West Pipeline reached maximum capacity of 7 million barrels per day during the quarter, enabling continued crude shipments despite the waterway's closure. Brent crude prices hit $101.29 per barrel. The board approved a $21.9 billion dividend, up 3.5% year-on-year.
Kospi hits record high on chip rally
South Korea's Kospi stock index hit a record high of 7,876.60 on Monday, driven by a 150 percent surge in chip sales and gains in Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. The index has risen 85 percent this year after a 76 percent gain last year, making it the world's best-performing market. Retail investors bought 1.2 trillion won in stocks while foreign investors sold. Kiwoom Securities warned of rising profit-taking pressure and short-term volatility. South Korean brokerages are expanding omnibus account services to attract up to 10 million foreign retail investors.
Ukraine ceasefire unravels as both sides report violations
The U.S.-mediated ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine deteriorated on its second day with both sides accusing each other of violations through weekend attacks that killed at least three civilians. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russian forces continued ground assaults along advancing front line sections, with nearly 210 battlefield clashes since Saturday. Russia's Defence Ministry countered by accusing Ukraine of more than 16,000 ceasefire breaches within 24 hours, including thousands of drone attacks on civilian infrastructure. U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to visit Moscow soon to continue diplomatic efforts.
AfDB targets US$100bn to close Africa's 77% climate finance gap
The African Development Bank hosted Africa's first Private Capital Mobilisation Day in December 2025, raising US$11 billion for the African Development Fund. The continent faces a 77 percent climate investment deficit with only 23 percent of financing needs met, while developing countries require US$1.3 trillion annually for climate challenges. Africa holds 30 percent of global critical mineral reserves but trades only 2 percent of these exports within the continent, hampered by road density of just 2.76 kilometres per 100 square kilometres. Ghana's US$2.5 billion in arrears owed to private energy producers illustrates the cost of failing to de-risk investment.
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- Symptomatic passenger triggers tighter hantavirus measures. One of five French passengers repatriated from the cruise ship MV Hondius displayed symptoms during the flight, prompting immediate isolation at Bichat Hospital in Paris. Test results are expected within 24 hours.
- Putin nominates Schroeder as Ukraine peace mediator. Germany called the proposal a 'bogus offer,' though some SPD members said European input at negotiations should be considered. Schroeder, 82, has faced criticism for his continued ties to Russian energy interests and has never condemned the invasion.
- Female executives steer AI toward human-centered future. A survey of senior female leaders finds most are already shaping AI strategy, prioritizing ethics and sustainable implementation over speed. They warn that organizations betting entirely on automation risk losing institutional knowledge and future leadership talent.
- Macron courts Africa allies in Nairobi after Sahel setbacks. Paris is seeking to rebuild ties across the continent following military withdrawals from Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, hosting the first France-Africa Summit in an Anglophone country.
- Critically ill Iranian Nobel laureate transferred to hospital. Narges Mohammadi, serving multiple sentences for her women's rights activism, was moved from Zanjan prison after suffering a heart attack. Her family says she requires ongoing treatment for multiple conditions and is calling for her unconditional release.